Ris'n with healing in His wings.

Today as I sat in Relief Society my heart was touched.  I was reminded of John chapter 16:33, where Christ tells his apostles that,  "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  I thought of some of my tribulations, and then I looked up and realized I was sitting behind Sister Acuna, who buried a 12 year old son a year and a half ago, and next to me was my sweet friend Jen, who I get to visit teach, who's husband passed away two years ago, their baby was only one.  I thought of my good friend Annette who just had to say goodbye once again to her boy.  I looked around at these sweet sisters who I have grown to love, sisters who carry tribulation with them, some trials are seen and others are hidden in quiet hearts, and I was so grateful to a Savior who has overcome the world.  I was so grateful to a Savior who tells us to be of good cheer and go forward with faith, because He can make unfixable things right.  I'm grateful that he is the steady foundation in a mortal experience that can be difficult and full of tribulation.  I'm so grateful there is a hope and a reason to be of good cheer.  I thought again of my favorite Christmas carol Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, yes, Christ was born that man no more may die.  He was born to raise the sons of earth and he is the source of light and life.  He is the reason Sister Acuna is a pillar of strength and the reason Jen has an infectious laugh even now, and the reason Annette is one of my favorite people on earth.  He is the reason I can be reconciled to God and have joy now and in the eternities to come.  I am so thankful for a Savior who would come and make things right and happy and I'm so grateful for another glorious Christmas season were we can celebrate his birth and life.